New Delhi, June 23 (IANS) Showcasing yoga’s increasing global appeal and India’s pivotal role in promoting holistic health and wellness, 13.04 lakh yoga sangam events were registered across India on Yoga Portal, Ayush Ministry said on Monday.Globally, yoga demonstrations took place in 191 countries at approximately 1,300 locations, culminating in an estimated 2,000 global events.This vast international outreach reaffirmed yoga’s universal relevance in fostering global health, harmony, and well-being, the ministry said in a statement.The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY 2025), celebrated globally on June 21, achieved resounding success with unprecedented worldwide participation.“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the IDY celebrations have underscored yoga’s increasing global appeal and India’s pivotal role in promoting holistic health and wellness,” according to the ministry.India also achieved two significant Guinness World Records in Visakhapatnam, highlighting yoga’s deep penetration and wide acceptance.The first being the largest gathering for a yoga session at a single venue, An impressive 302,000 (3.02 lakh) participants joined on June 21; and the second record of the largest mass Surya Namaskar demonstration when 22,122 tribal students participated on June 20.Fifteen iconic yoga events were organised at strategically significant and culturally diverse locations nationwide. These events aimed to symbolise India’s natural beauty, national spirit, and civilizational ethos, while spreading the message of wellness and unity through yoga.Yoga demonstrations emphasised physical resilience and national service in some of the country’s most challenging terrains such as Siachen Glacier where Indian Army personnel performed yoga at the world’s highest battlefield, Galwan Valley where sessions were held at over 15,000 feet, symbolising India’s message of peace and inner strength.Special yoga sessions at historic and spiritually significant locations highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage such as NaMo Ghat, Varanasi. The 91 UP battalion of the NCC conducted vibrant sessions on the banks of the Ganga, reflecting spiritual vibrancy and youth participation.The Ministry of Ayush said it extends heartfelt gratitude to various ministries and departments, state governments, the international community, Indian Armed Forces, Yoga institutions and associations, educational institutions, NGOs, and millions of yoga enthusiasts worldwide for making IDY 2025 a historic celebration of unity, wellness, and peace.–IANSna/

Thiruvananthapuram, June 23 (IANS) Veteran CPI-M leader and former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, on Monday, after suffering a cardiac arrest was admitted to a hospital here.

He is 101-years-old and has been confined to his room at his son’s house here for the past few years.State CPI-M Secretary M.V. Govindan said that at present the condition of Achuthanandan is stable according to the medical team overseeing his treatment.Achuthanandan was the Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011 after which he was the Leader of Opposition from 2011 to 2016.Even though he led the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to a huge victory at the 2016 state Assembly polls, he was edged out from the Chief Minister’s position by Pinarayi Vijayan.With the intervention of the national leadership, Achuthanandan was pacified and he was made the Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Committee with Cabinet status.With age catching up and his health failing, he at the fag end of his tenure as Chairman quit in January 2021 and since then has been confined indoors.In 1996, when Achuthanandan was all set to become the Chief Minister, he suffered his worst-ever election jolt when he was defeated by a little known Congress candidate P.J. Francis at the former’s stronghold at Mararikulam in Alappuzha district.Francis passed away last week.After his defeat in 1996, for the next four Assembly elections Achuthanandan moved out of Alappuzha district and contested from Malampuzha in Palakkad district and his last political contest was in 2016.Since the late nineties, Achuthanandan and Vijayan never had the best of relations and it peaked when the former was the Chief Minister during 2006 to 2011.His hospitalisation comes at a time when the CPI-M candidate M. Swaraj lost the Nilambur Assembly by-election and more importantly, Swaraj during the standoff between Vijayan and Achuthanandan had said it is time that Achuthanandan should be handed out capital punishment for his tirades.–IANSsg/khz

New Delhi, June 23 (IANS) A team of US researchers has turned a deadly fungus into a potent cancer-fighting compound, according to a new study released on Monday.After isolating a new class of molecules from Aspergillus flavus — a toxic crop fungus linked to deaths in the excavations of ancient tombs — the researchers modified the chemicals and tested them against leukemia cells.The result was a promising cancer-killing compound that rivals FDA-approved drugs and opens up new frontiers in the discovery of more fungal medicines, according to the study by University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science.“Fungi gave us penicillin. These results show that many more medicines derived from natural products remain to be found,” said Sherry Gao, Presidential Penn Compact Associate Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) and senior author of a new paper in Nature Chemical Biology journal.The therapy in question is a class of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides, or RiPPs, pronounced like the “rip” in a piece of fabric.The name refers to how the compound is produced — by the ribosome, a tiny cellular structure that makes proteins — and the fact that it is modified later, in this case, to enhance its cancer-killing properties.“Purifying these chemicals is difficult,” says Qiuyue Nie, a postdoctoral fellow in CBE and the paper’s first author.While thousands of RiPPs have been identified in bacteria, only a handful have been found in fungi. In part, this is because past researchers misidentified fungal RiPPs as non-ribosomal peptides and had little understanding of how fungi created the molecules.“The synthesis of these compounds is complicated,” adds Nie. “But that’s also what gives them this remarkable bioactivity.”To find more fungal RiPPs, the researchers first scanned a dozen strains of Aspergillus, which previous research suggested might contain more of the chemicals.By comparing chemicals produced by these strains with known RiPP building blocks, the researchers identified A. flavus as a promising candidate for further study.Genetic analysis pointed to a particular protein in A. flavus as a source of fungal RiPPs. When the researchers turned the genes that create that protein off, the chemical markers indicating the presence of RiPPs also disappeared.This novel approach — combining metabolic and genetic information — not only pinpointed the source of fungal RiPPs in A. flavus, but could be used to find more fungal RiPPs in the future.Notably, the compounds had little to no effect on breast, liver or lung cancer cells — or a range of bacteria and fungi — suggesting that asperigimycins’ disruptive effects are specific to certain types of cells, a critical feature for any future medication.The next step is to test asperigimycins in animal models, with the hope of one day moving to human clinical trials/–IANSna/

New Delhi, June 23 (IANS) A new study on Monday warned that a single pellet of recycled plastic can contain over 80 different chemicals, adding that recycled polyethylene plastic can leach chemicals into water causing impacts in the hormone systems and lipid metabolism.The plastic pollution crisis has reached global levels, threatening both planetary and human health, and recycling is proposed as one of the solutions to the plastics pollution crisis.However, as plastics contain thousands of chemical additives and other substances that can be toxic, and these are almost never declared, hazardous chemicals can indiscriminately end up in recycled products, said researchers from University of Gothenburg and Leipzig.In a new study published in Journal of Hazardous Materials, researchers bought plastic pellets recycled from polyethylene plastic from different parts of the world and let the pellets soak in water for 48 hours.After which zebrafish larvae were exposed to the water for five days. The experimental results show increases in gene expression relating to lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, and endocrine regulation in the larvae.“These short leaching times and exposure times are yet another indicator of the risks that chemicals in plastics pose to living organisms. The impacts that we measured show that these exposures have the potential to change the physiology and health of the fish,” says Azora Konig Kardgar, lead author and researcher in ecotoxicology at the University of Gothenburg.Previous research has shown similar effects to humans, including threats to reproductive health and obesity, from exposure to toxic chemicals in plastics.Some chemicals used as additives in plastics and substances that contaminate plastics are known to disturb hormones, with potential impacts on fertility, child development, links to certain cancers, and metabolic disorders including obesity and diabetes.“This is the main obstacle with the idea of recycling plastic. We never have full knowledge of what chemicals will end up in an item made of recycled plastic. And there is also a significant risk of chemical mixing events occurring, which render the recycled plastic toxic,” said Bethanie Carney Almroth, professor at the University of Gothenburg and principal investigator on the project.Representatives from the nations of the world are preparing to head to Geneva, Switzerland, in August, for what is planned to be the final negotiating meeting for a Global Plastics Treaty at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee under the United Nations Environmental Program.–IANSna/

New Delhi, June 23 (IANS) India’s herbal and ayurvedic OTC (over the counter) market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5 per cent, from $69 million in 2025 to $118 million by the end of 2033, outpacing global trends, a report showed on Monday.However, challenges persist as 40 per cent of new launches in 2024 faced regulatory hurdles, only 20 per cent of products have clinical validation, and quality concerns affect up to 30 per cent of offerings, limiting their credibility and adoption for clinical illness, the report mentioned.The herbal and ayurvedic OTC industry is reported to be growing at an unprecedented rate. According to latest research, it has made a robust entry in more than 70 per cent of Indian households.This insight comes from the latest industry analysis by MedIQ, the Healthcare Intelligence research wing of 1Lattice, which highlights a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour, with a strong shift in preference for natural, chemical-free wellness products across all age groups.The study reveals that the driving factor behind the rapid growth is due to the widespread consumption of popular categories, such as Chyawanprash, Ashwagandha supplements, Ayurvedic personal care, functional food, and youth-targeted products — like gummies and effervescent tablets.The study also reveals that over 40 per cent of the new adopters are millennials and Gen Z, signalling a generational shift for traditional wellness, but in modern formats.According to the report, digital adoption is accelerating the market’s expansion, with over 10 per cent of urban OTC sales are now online, and 35 per cent of new products offer tech-driven personalisation.Meanwhile, nearly 60 per cent of urban consumers actively seek clean-label and organic-certified products, indicating growing awareness and scrutiny amongst the Indian consumers.The sector is also seeing a strong wave of innovation, with R&D investments up by 45 per cent in 2023.Globally, the herbal and ayurvedic OTC market is forecasted to grow from $145 billion in 2025 to $230 billion by 2033, reflecting increased focus on preventive and holistic wellness.—IANSna/

Bhopal, June 22 (IANS) A team of doctors at AIIMS Bhopal has successfully performed a complex and rare surgery by replacing aortic valve of a male patient with artificial grafts as part of the Bentall procedure.
According to official information, a 44-year-old male patient from Madhya Pradesh’s Sehore district, who was suffering from chest pain and palpitations for the past six months, was admitted at AIIMS Bhopal few days ago.Before coming to AIIMS, the patient had consulted multiple hospitals, where investigations revealed an Aortic Aneurysm (swelling of the aorta) measuring nearly 8 to 10 cm in his chest.The condition was progressively worsening and could have ruptured at any time.Additionally, the patient’s aortic valve (heart valve) was found to be severely leaking, said Yogesh K. Niwaria, who along with other fellow doctors performed the surgery.Niwaria said that to treat this condition, the patient required the replacement of both the aorta and the aortic valve with artificial grafts — a procedure known as Bentall surgery, which is considered highly complex.Adding to the challenge, the patient’s blood group was B-negative, a very rare type, making the surgical process even more demanding.Despite multiple consultations and evaluations at various hospitals, the patient and his family did not find satisfactory relief.After a thorough evaluation by the institute’s expert team, it was decided to proceed with the surgery.During the procedure, the swollen aorta and the leaking aortic valve were successfully removed and replaced with artificial grafts as part of the Bentall procedure.Post-surgery, the patient was shifted to the ICU, where he showed continuous improvement in his health.”A significant aspect of this case is that, despite the rare blood group, the patient did not require a blood transfusion during this highly complex surgery, reflecting the surgical precision, coordination, and dedication of the expert medical team,” said M. Kishan, who was also part of the team.Congratulating the team for successful operation, AIIMS Bhopal Director, Ajai Singh said, “This case is an excellent example of AIIMS Bhopal’s clinical excellence. Performing such a highly complex and high-risk cardiac surgery on a patient with a rare blood group not only demonstrates our surgical capabilities but also reflects our commitment and dedication to providing world-class healthcare services to the people of Madhya Pradesh.”The entire advanced treatment was provided free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, making it highly beneficial for the common man.Earlier, patients from Madhya Pradesh requiring such complex surgeries had to be referred to high-end centres outside the state. Now, they can receive this treatment at AIIMS Bhopal itself.–IANSpd/khz

Imphal, June 22 (IANS) Covid-19 cases continue to rise in Manipur, where 33 persons, including…

Chennai, June 22 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian said on Sunday that the state government is set to establish a state-of-the-art 750-bed multispecialty paediatric hospital at the King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research campus in Guindy.

The new facility will be developed on six acres of land and will be attached to a postgraduate and super-specialty paediatric institute under the Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University.Once completed, it will become the third major healthcare institution on the Guindy campus, following the Kalaignar Centenary Super-speciality Hospital and the National Institute of Ageing.The state government has allocated Rs 487.66 crore for the project, which will include a seven-storey hospital complex covering 3.15 lakh square feet.In addition to the main hospital building, the project will feature hostels for doctors, nurses, medical students, and professors, along with advanced medical equipment and infrastructure.”This is the highest allocation made for any hospital project in Tamil Nadu till now,” said Minister Subramanian during his visit to the site, accompanied by senior health officials, including Health Secretary P. Senthilkumar.Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has given his approval for the project, and tenders will be floated shortly.The construction of the new hospital is expected to commence by September this year.The institute will be fully funded and operated by the Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University.The upcoming paediatric hospital will be equipped with 100 intensive care unit (ICU) beds, pay wards, shared wards, and suite rooms.According to University Vice-Chancellor K. Narayanasamy, the hospital will house 20 departments, including 14 unique specialties.These will include general medicine, critical care, surgery, gastroenterology, orthopaedics, neurology, nephrology, pulmonology, cardiology, urology, hemato-oncology, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, and an organ transplant unit.Narayanasamy added that the institute will offer postgraduate super-specialty courses in paediatrics after its establishment.It aims to function as a centre of excellence, particularly for rare paediatric diseases, and will focus on bridging the gap between academic training and real-world healthcare delivery, he said.The new paediatric institute is also expected to bolster the university’s academic standing and aid in participation in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), enhancing Tamil Nadu’s reputation in medical education and research.–IANSaal/khz

New Delhi, June 22 (IANS) The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) said on Sunday that it has paved the way for capping of its well following the gas blowout that took place on June 12 at the Rudrasagar oil field in Assam’s Sivasagar district.A further decline in gas pressure has been achieved, which is expected to facilitate a safer and more controlled capping of the well. As a continuous safety measure, water blanketing of the well is being maintained around the clock, according to a company statement.The ONGC said that in collaboration with international well control experts from Cudd Pressure Control, it has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing operations at Well RDS#147A.Approximately 10 trailer loads of rig material have been successfully removed by ONGC’s Crisis Management Team (CMT) and the expert crew, clearing the majority of the rig equipment from the site and paving the way for the upcoming well capping operation. The necessary heavy equipment required for the capping process is currently being mobilised to the site.In parallel, the team has conducted a detailed inspection of the elevated section of the rig mast to plan the safe removal of the tubing stacked in the derrick. A specialised extra-long boom crane is being mobilised for this critical operation, with deployment scheduled at the earliest possible time.Air quality monitoring continues uninterrupted in and around the site. Encouragingly, there is no detectable trace of hydrocarbons beyond 30 metres from the well. Based on current assessments, residents living beyond a 500-metre radius from the incident site have now been advised that it is safe to return to their homes and resume normal activities, including cooking and the use of electricity.Additionally, the ONGC said it continues to actively support the district administration at the relief camps. The corporation is providing 24/7 medical assistance to all those in need, reaffirming its commitment to the well-being of the affected communities.–IANSsps/vd

New Delhi, Jun 22 (IANS) The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting the declining condition of Futala Lake in Maharashtra’s Nagpur.A bench, headed by judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, registered an original application suo motu (on its own) following a news item titled “Futala Lake’s charm fades amid neglect and poor maintenance”. Referring to the news article, the Bench, also comprising expert member A. Senthil Vel, noted that the lake, once a popular spot for locals, now faces hygiene issues and environmental degradation due to neglect and poor maintenance. The news item also highlighted that the absence of functional public toilets has led visitors to resort to unhygienic alternatives, and the lake’s shore is covered with trash like flower garlands and plastic bags, causing a foul smell. “[D]espite efforts by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to prevent the immersion of idols and religious offerings, enforcement remains weak, resulting in continued pollution,” noted the NGT in its order passed on June 5. The green body said the matter highlighted in the news item attracted the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Municipal Solid Waste Rules, 2016.Saying that the power of the NGT to take up the matter suo motu has been recognised by the Supreme Court, the Justice Tyagi-led Bench impleaded the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation as respondent parties to the matter. “Let notices be issued to the respondents for filing their response/reply by way of affidavit,” ordered the green tribunal, transferring the matter for further hearing on August 6 before the Western Zone Bench. It said that since the place of accrual of the cause of action lies within the jurisdiction of the Pune’s Western Zone Bench, the case should be further heard there. “Accordingly, the Registry is directed to list the matter before the Western Zone Bench of this Tribunal at Pune on 06.08.2025 after obtaining orders from Hon’ble the Chairperson for transfer of the case, if so required,” the NGT ordered. It added that responses may be filed by the authorities before the Western Zone Bench of the green tribunal at least one week before the next date of hearing. –IANS pds/vd